by Alex MayfieldOnce again, CO and CA add another chapter to their confusing space epic known as the Amory Wars. YOTBR is supposed to be a prequel to the other chapters, taking place before Coheed’s first album Second Stage Turbine Blade. Though the story is filled with murder, deceit, and 72 planets, you will never be able to understand the plot by just listening to the albums. However, the story really doesn’t matter for this review because the music is still quite good. It will be very hard for Coheed to make a better album than In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth 3, but they still make some good music. With intricate guitars and heavy riffs, the album starts off with a little bit of chaos that, to me, doesn’t really work. However, once the album hits the anthem-like Here We are Juggernaut, the album starts to rise to a more likeable status. This album seems almost identical to No World For Tomorrow (their previous album released in 2007). When it comes down to it, the intricate guitars and powerhouse vocals present something that Coheed fans will enjoy. If you like No World For Tomorrow, you will enjoy this. If you were hoping for another In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth 3, I have a hard time believing you will find it here. Where does this fall in with the other Coheed albums? I’m so glad you asked. In my opinion...
1. In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3 (2003) – 9/10
2. Second Stage: Turbine Blade (2002) – 8/10
3. No World For Tomorrow (2007) – 7/10
4. Year of the Black Rainbow (2010) – 7/10
5. Good Apollo I’m Burning Star IV (2005) – 6.5/10
To wrap up this review, the album is quite good with is use of crowd chants, good percussion, heavy guitar and is sure to please. Coheed is an acquired taste so for those who don't listen to Coheed, be weary trying to go into this album without starting with some more listenable tracks. Songs you might want to start with would be, “A Favor House Atlantic” (IKSOSE3), “Feathers” (NWFT), and “Welcome Home” (GAIBS4). So for Coheed fans, give it a listen. Others who aren’t as brave might want to stay away.
7 out of 10
Download tracks – “Here We Are Juggernaut”, “Made Out of Nothing”, “Pearl of the Stars”
"Year of the Black Rainbow", hits stores 4/13 but pre-order iiiittt - http://bit.ly/dgsIRq and if you're in the Pomona area - they're playing Fox Theater on 5/4!
ReplyDeleteI can't take any review seriously that puts Good Apollo I as last in the rankings. It might be the pinnacle of Coheeds amazing discography. I personally think Second Stage is their best album, but my favorite by far is Good Apollo I.
ReplyDeleteNWFT is their worst - and Black Rainbow does what Coheed does best: Something different.